Monica Trapaga at The Art Gallery of NSW

Monica Trapaga, renowned children's entertainer, will launch the Operation Art 2001 exhibition at The Art Gallery of NSW on Tuesday 2 October at 10.30am. The art works are the winning 50 from over 500 that have been created by children from across NSW for sick kids at The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

The program is in its seventh year with entries each year surpassing all expectations. Operation Art is a way of involving young people in years K - 10 in the special work of the Hospital.

"For some time I have been a Goodwill Ambassador for the Hospital. Last year I had the pleasure of judging the artworks - a very difficult job! Actually launching the exhibition this year is a great buzz for me," Monica said.

"Children are just so great. To see the hard work and creativity of their art is just incredible. That they are doing this for sick kids makes it even more special."

All entries were displayed at Panthers World of Entertainment, Penrith in August with children who entered their work travelling from across the State to see it.

The 50 works to be hung at The Art Gallery of NSW will be on display until October 14. They become part of the permanent collection of children's art on display at The Children's Hospital at Westmead but first, they go on a tour of the State's regional galleries.

Operation Art is an initiative of The Children's Hospital at Westmead, The NSW Department of Education and Training and The Art Gallery of NSW.

For all enquiries, please contact:

Gilly Paxton
Manager, Public Relations
The Children's Hospital at Westmead
Tel: (02) 9845 3568 or page via 9845 0000